10 Best Apple Headphones

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Are you shopping for Apple headphones, but you are not sure what the top options are? Then you’ll love the headphones in this buyer’s guide as they have been carefully selected for their overall quality. You’ll find Apple headphones across 3 price categories to help you find the ones that match your budget.

It can be confusing trying to figure out the best headphones for your needs, but the process can be straightforward when you take into account buying considerations. With that thought in mind we have created a list of buying considerations that include audio quality, wireless connectivity, brand, durability, and comfort. Once you have evaluated all of these factors you’ll end up with the best headphones for your needs.

We had a fun time putting together this buyer’s guide and hope you learn a lot. We are confident that once you read until the very end you’ll have a good idea of what features you need for your desired use.

Top Apple Headphones by price:

Buying factors

Comfort

It’s difficult to enjoy a great audio experience if the headphones lack comfort. There are a number of things to pay attention to when evaluating the headphone comfort, and they are as follows:

Wireless: Opting for wirelesses headphones gives you the freedom to move without being restricted by wires. This is mostly useful when combining your Apple headphones with iPhones, but it’s also a nice feature to have in front of an iPad or MacBook Pro.

Earcups: The earcups with over-ear designs should be large enough to fit your entire ear. Otherwise they may exert too much pressure on your ear which can lead to an uncomfortable experience. Furthermore, the earcups should have plenty of memory foam for a pleasant fit.

Headband: Check the underside of the headband to see if there is a decent amount of padding. Additionally, the headband should be highly adjustable so that various head sizes can be accommodated.

Brand

Buying headphones from a reputable brand is a great idea as you can rely on quality that has been fine-tuned over the years. Trusted brands like Bose and Sennheiser have a proven track record that means you’re unlikely to get a sub-par pair of headphones. Also these brands are constantly innovating to bring you the best features the marketplace has to offer.

However, this doesn’t mean that you should discount newcomers to the industry. You can find some hidden gems if you’re willing to investment in brand names that don’t have a long history. However, in such scenarios you should take the time to carry out background research to see what you can expect.

Audio quality

Apple products are some of the best in their respective categories, which means you should combine headphones with the best audio out there. Here are some of the top things to think about when evaluating headphone audio quality:

Active noise cancelation: You’ll notice a number of headphones in this buyer’s guide with the ANC feature such as Bose QuietComfort 35 and Sennheiser PXC 550 Wireless. The feature blocks out incoming ambient noise to ensure your personal audio solution remains clear. In noisy environments it can make a big difference to turn this feature on.

Frequency range: Take a look at the frequency range to determine the depth of audio you can expect. The human ear can hear in the range of 20-20KHz so try to find headphones that offers at least this range. Furthermore, when the bottom end of the frequency range is extended the bass is improved.

Audio drivers: The audio driver implementation will play a big role when it comes to audio quality. Therefore, you need to consider the materials used and the size that’s measured in mm.

Durability

You should expect your Apple headphones to be durable so that you don’t have to buy new ones in the near future. Pay attention to the warranty information to figure out the damage types are covered. A solid warranty deal indicates the brand in question feels confident about their headphones.

Also, inspect the materials to figure out the longevity you can expect. For example, heavy use of plastics is a bad sign that the headphones may not be durable. It’s also a good idea to read previous buyer’s comments to see what info you can gather about durability.

Wireless connectivity

The majority of this buyer’s guide is made up of wireless headphones simply because of the compatibility that Bluetooth provides. Wireless headphones are also convenient as you don’t have to be burdened by a wire. Here are some of the top things to consider when evaluating the headphone wireless connectivity:

Battery life: You’ll want plenty of battery life to avoid having to constantly charge the headphones. While traveling long battery life is needed to provide enough juice during the entire journey. It can be frustrating running out of battery life in the middle of a journey with no power outlet in sight.

Quick charge: Some headphones such as the Beats Solo3 Wireless have a quick charge feature where you can get a decent amount of battery life for a short charging period. This is handy when you have run out of battery life and want to continue using the headphones in a short period of time.

Bluetooth version: Take note of the Bluetooth version implemented as this determines the connection quality. Ideally you should opt for Bluetooth 4.0+ and all wireless headphones in this buyer’s guide offer this.

Top Apple Headphones Under $100

Are you on a tight budget and need the most affordable Apple headphones the marketplace has to offer? Then you’ll appreciate the options presented in this category. They offer a myriad of features found in more expensive headphones and the audio quality is surprisingly good. In recent years the headphone quality at the budget end has dramatically improved.

In this category you’ll find a combination of active noise cancelation, comfortable fit, microphone, on-ear controls, and lengthy battery life. The value for money here is impressive when you consider the features provided for the asking price.

1. COWIN E7 Pro [2018 Upgraded]

The COWIN E7 Pro is a budget offering that has the features to compete with premium price options. The biggest difference is that the implementation here is not at the same level as higher price headphones, but good enough to be worthy of attention. They offer solid Bluetooth connectivity which is ideal for use with all Apple products.

The amazing sound is delivered via the reliable 45mm audio drivers that provide crisp and clean beats across the frequency range. You’ll love listening to music, watching movies, and even playing video games with the COWIN E7 Pro.

A battery life of 30 hours can be achieved which is highly competitive when you consider the price of under $100. This battery life also includes when the ANC featured is activated. ANC greatly improves audio clarity in noisy environments. Therefore, they are ideal for commuting to work on a daily basis or going on vacation.

The earcups have a large circular shape that provides a decent level of comfort due to the soft padding. The headband is rigid with a minimal amount of padding, but the overall fit is good enough for daily use. However they may not provide the long lasting daily comfort that you can expect with premium priced headphones.

You’ll need to get over the bulky design and the sup-par microphone in order to truly appreciate these headphones. However, at the budget price you should expect a few minor drawbacks.

To conclude, the COWIN E7 Pro headphones offer a nice blend of long battery life, great audio, and active noise cancelation. You’ll love these headphones if you’re on a tight budget but want to combine a decent personal audio solution with your iPad, iPhone, or MacBook Pro.

Tech Specs

Weight: 13.6 ounces

Connectivity: Wireless

Battery Life: 30 Hours

Active noise cancelation: Yes

The Pros

40 hour battery life

Active noise cancelation

Good value for money

The Cons

Bulky design

2. Mpow H5

The Mpow H5 is a great budget choice that offers versatility and practicality. The black design looks rather basic and there is a lack of premium materials, which is to be expected at the budget end. However, there is a decent level of sophistication with the Mpow H5 that can be appreciated by even the demanding buyers among you.

The Bluetooth 4.1 connection ensures compatibility with all Apple products and provides up to 33 feet of range. Per full charge you’ll achieve 18 hours of running time, but when the ANC feature is turned on the battery drains faster. A wire is included to switch to wired mode when the battery life has run out.

Various controls are included on the earcup to allow you to control the volume, switch tracks, and toggle the ANC feature. The placement of the controls is ergonomic, which means they are easy to find from day 1.

The design has large earcups that provide good comfort for the ears, but the headband feels rather rigid. Overall, you shouldn’t have a hard time getting a comfortable and secure fit that will last for hours. Furthermore, the headphones are foldable, which is great when traveling and you want to save space.

There are a few minor drawbacks that are worth considering before pulling the trigger on the purchase. The ANC feature has average implementation and the microphone can be described as below average. Additionally, the fit can be tight and cumbersome to get right, which means you’ll need a little patience.

To conclude, the Mpow H5 is a great choice for budget buyers that want good audio, lengthy battery life, and excellent on-ear controls. You’ll appreciate the value for money that provided by the Mpow H5 headphones.

Tech Specs

Weight: 12.8 ounces

Connectivity: Wireless

Battery Life: 18 Hours

Active noise cancelation: Yes

The Pros

Decent on-ear controls

Active noise cancelation

Good value for money

The Cons

Fit can be tight

Microphone quality could be better

3. Edifier W800BT

The Edifier W800BT offers Bluetooth 4.0, which means they are compatible with all Apple products. The wireless connection allows for stable audio to be enjoyed throughout the listening session. They are suited for the budget buyer that’s looking for a great deal. You’ll appreciate the mixture of long battery life, a lightweight design, and convenient on-ear controls.

A battery life of 35 hours can be achieved, and there is a 3.5mm cable when you want to switch to wired mode. However, for Apple products where only a Lighting connection is available you’ll need to invest in an adapter. Once charge you also get 800 hours of standby time, which is more than the majority of the headphone marketplace.

The large 40mm audio drivers deliver solid audio performance that is combined with CRS technology to ensure the battery life is not drained quickly. The crispness of the audio across the 20-20KHz frequency range means you can enjoy all genres of music. However, don’t expect the audio fidelity to compete with the more expensive option in this buyer’s guide.

The ergonomic over-ear earcups have plenty of room for large ears and the soft padding around the outside ensures the fit feels pleasant. However, the headband could use a little work due to the stiff design and minimal amount of padding on the underside. However, this also reduces the bulk, which means it’s more practical for the outdoors.

To summarize, the Edifier W800BT headphones are a good quality option for Apple product owners that are on a budget. The combination of a lightweight frame, 40mm audio drivers, good on-ear controls, and 35 hour battery life means there is a lot to like here.

Tech Specs

Weight: 15.2 ounces

Connectivity: Wireless

Battery Life: 35 hours

Active noise cancelation: No

The Pros

35 hour battery life

Good value for money

Good on-ear controls

The Cons

Headband could be improved

Top Apple Headphones Under $300

Are you interested in good quality Apple headphones that provide decent value for the asking price? In the under $300 price category you’ll find industry leading brands like Sennheiser that have an excellent reputation in the personal audio marketplace. Take the time to inspect the features to see if they match your specific requirements. All options here are compatible with Apple devices via the Bluetooth connection.

4. Beats Solo3 Wireless

The Beats Solo3 Wireless has an Apple W1 chip, which allows you quickly connect to Apple devices without the need for a lengthy connection process. This chip is not found any other headphones in this buyer’s guide, which means it is specifically used for Apple devices.

You’ll achieve 40 hours of battery life, which is highly competitive – even at the premium end of the scale. You can play music on repeat for two days straight and there is a 5 minute quick charge feature that gives you 3 hours of running time.

There is a choice of colors, which includes black, silver, white, red, and gold. The on-ear headphone design leads to practicality that’s portable and convenient. The low weight of 7.58 ounces means you’ll love wearing these while traveling or communicating to work. Furthermore, the headband has a decent amount of flexibility that contributes to a secure fit.

The finely-tuned acoustics provide exceptional clarity and emphasized bass. The strong bass is great for music genres like rock, rap, hip-hop, and dance. However, if you aren’t used to strong bass audio, then you might find it too overwhelming.

There are a few minor niggles that must be considered before making the purchase. The headband can exert a firm pressure, which may lead to shorter wearing times. Also, there is a lack of overall audio fidelity when you consider the premium price.

To conclude, the Beats Solo3 Wireless headphones offer extra long battery life, a good overall fit, visual aesthetics, and strong bass. However, they are rather expensive for the audio quality so you need to decide if they match your requirements.

Tech Specs

Weight: 7.58 ounces

Connectivity: Wireless

Battery Life: 40 hours

Active noise cancelation: No

The Pros

40 hour battery life

Strong bass

Comfortable fit

The Cons

Overall audio fidelity could be improved

Headband could be more ergonomic

5. Sennheiser PXC 550 Wireless

The Sennheiser PXC 550 Wireless offers more than average headphones due to the quality of execution. You’ll appreciate the amazing audio quality, comfortable fit, and reliable Bluetooth connection. These headphones are compatible with all Apple products via the Bluetooth connection, which means you can buy in confidence.

The exceptional battery performance provides up to 30 hours per charge and a USB cable is provided for charging. Adaptive noise cancelation is included, but the long battery life means you can have the featured turn on and still enjoy many hours of battery life. Bluetooth 4.2 is offered here that results in a reliable audio signal during the entire listening experience.

The clarity of the dynamic audio drivers is amazing and it’s evident that Sennheiser have not held back in ensuring these headphones pack a powerful punch. You’ll feel immersed in all genres of music due to the attention to detail across the 17 – 23,000 Hz frequency range.

A business-class crystal clear microphone is included that allows you to communicate via calls. You can combine the Sennheiser PXC 550 headphones with your iPhone to take class on the go without touching the smartphone. That combined with the wireless freedom means you’ll feel comfortable.

The lightweight design features large oval earcups that the Sennheiser brand is known for across their headphone range. They have soft padding and the ergonomic headband offers great comfort for long durations. However, the large earcups do add more bulk compared to other options, which means you’ll need to figure out if this is a big drawback for you.

Before purchasing the Sennheiser PXC 550 headphones consider a few potential disadvantages that might be a deal breaker for you. Firstly, the ANC feature is not as good as what’s implemented by the Bose brand. They also have strong bass, which might be too much for some buyers that aren’t used to this type of audio.

Overall, the Sennheiser PXC 550 Wireless is a fantastic option for iPad, MacBook, and iPhone owners that are looking for an industry leading personal audio solution. The comfortable oval shaped earcups, lightweight design, professional mic, reliable battery, and exceptional audio quality means there is a lot to like here – even at the high price.

Tech Specs

Weight: 7.76 ounces

Connectivity: Wireless

Battery Life: 30 hours

Active noise cancelation: Yes

The Pros

30 hour battery life

Exceptional audio fidelity

Light

Business-class microphone

The Cons

Bulky

6. Sony WH-CH700N

The Sony WH-CH700N come with a iOS compatible app that allow you to customize the sound profile to your liking. Therefore, they are perfect for use with your iPhone, but they can also be combined with your iPad or MacBook Pro. Sony is one of the industry leaders in the general headphone marketplace and this is one of their highest rated offerings.

The 40mm audio drivers provide impactful audio that comes with strong bass and great clarity across the frequency range. Audio quality is further enhanced by the ANC feature that does a great job of eliminating unwanted ambient noise. A cable is included for wired mode, which allows the ANC feature to be used for 50 hours.

The battery life is an impressive 35 hours per charge and NFC pairing is available to quickly connect to other NFC compatible devices. Additionally, a useful quick charge feature is implemented that provides 60 minutes of battery life for just 10 minutes of charging time.

The soft oval earpads provide a snug fit around your ears and the adjustable headband slider gives you the freedom to get the fit that makes the most sense for your head. However, the padding on the headband underside isn’t the best.

There are a few minor niggles to be aware of before making the choice to buy. The overall build quality is plastic based, which at this price is not forgivable. Also, the noise cancelation doesn’t have the best implementation and bass might be too strong for some users.

Overall, the Sony WH-CH700N is a practical personal audio solution for Apple product owners. The combination of the long battery life, ANC, great fit, and strong bass means there is plenty to like with these Sony headphones.

Tech Specs

Weight: 8.5 ounces

Connectivity: Wireless

Battery Life: 35 hours

Active noise cancelation: Yes

The Pros

35 hour battery life

Comfortable fit

Strong bass

The Cons

Plastic build

ANC could be better

Top Apple Headphones Under $600

Do you have a big budget and are looking for the very best Apple headphones? Then you’ll be pleased with the industry leading options here that offer well-implemented features and a premium looking design. However, at this high price you need to decide if the features on offer represent what you actually need.

The audio quality among these products will impress audiophiles and the comfort is exceptional. Furthermore, the reliability of the battery can be trusted – even after multiple years of use.

7. Bose QuietComfort 35 (Series II)

We reviewed the Bose QuietComfort 35 in the Travel Headphones guide where we rated is as the top overall pick, and we feel it’s one of the best Apple headphones. These headphones are one of the Bose flagship models that’s much appreciated in the marketplace. You’ll love the attention to detail and the array of features that combine to give a practical experience.

The noise rejecting dual microphone system enables you to enjoy clear conversations without the need to repeat yourself – even in noisy environments. The mic can also be used to active Alexa, which is an entire new way to experience a personal audio solution.

The industry leading implementation of noise cancelation allows you to switch between 3 levels to select the setting that matches your environment. An Action Button is used to activate the settings in a convenient manner. 20 hours of battery life is obtained via the lithium-ion battery and up to 40 hours in wired mode. You’ll achieve around 30 feet of range via the Bluetooth connection that’s very stable.

The Bose App can be utilized to download updates and play around with the presets. This allows you to customize the music experience in a way that best suits your needs and preferences. However, the app will take some playing around with in order to figure it out.

From a comfort standpoint the Bose QuietComfort 35 has done a great job of providing a comfortable and secure fit. The earcups are pleasant on the skin and the overall bulkiness isn’t too big.

However, there is no aptX and the audio quality is slightly lacking compared with the competition – especially Sennheiser headphones. However, if you can get over these minor drawbacks then the overall quality here brings a lot to the table.

To conclude, the Bose QuietComfort 35 provides a mixture of long battery life, comfort, active noise cancelation, and great audio. The price is steep, but if you’re after industry leading portable headphones then you cannot go wrong with these Bose headphones.

Tech Specs

Weight: 8.32 ounces

Connectivity: Wireless

Battery Life: 20 hours

Active noise cancelation: Yes

The Pros

20 hour battery life

Useful app

Great fit

Active noise cancelation

The Cons

Overall audio fidelity could be improved

8. Audeze iSINE20

The Audeze iSINE20 comes with a Cipher cable that is designed to connect to the Lightning port of iOS devices. This ensures compatibility with the latest iPhones that do not have the 3.5mm audio jack. The Audeze iSINE20 headphones offer audiophile grade audio that is based on a patented design. The attention to detail and innovation here is excellent, but you’ll need to decide if it’s worth the asking price.

The high quality sound allows you to hear every single beat as the clarity across the entire frequency range is exceptional. The combination of the extended treble, deep bass and clean mids means you’ll love the rich audio. Furthermore, innovative planar magnetic drivers are implemented that make use of NASA base materials and provide very low distortion levels. The sound also has a wide soundstage, which is unique for in-ear headphones.

The audio can be customized with the Audeze iOS app. You can boost the mids via the 10-band equalizer or you can select from the presets available. The unit is manufactured in the USA and the parts were manufactured to ensure excellent performance.

The distinctive looking design will certainly raise eyebrows while out and about. The in-ear design means passive noise isolation will be present and the fit is comfortable. However, these are not suitable for sports due to the nature of the design.

The Audeze iSINE20 must be somewhat scrutinized due to the high price. The visual design of the headphones is decisive, which means you may not find them appealing. Also, the EQ may be required in order to get an optimal audio experience – this could be frustrating for casual users that want a plug n’ play setup.

To conclude, the Audeze iSINE20 offers exceptional audio performance that will simply blow you away. The combination of the luxurious design, attention to detail, and innovative technology means you’ll feel special when rocking these headphones. However, at the premium price you need to decide if they represent a good deal.

Tech Specs

Weight: 0.64 ounces

Connectivity: Wired

Active noise cancelation: No

The Pros

Manufactured in USA

Premium materials

Audiophile grade audio

The Cons

Pricey

Distinctive design

9. Bowers & Wilkins PX

The Bowers & Wilkins PX are highly rated among buyers and have a number of well-implemented features. The black can gold design looks luxurious, which is to be expected at the price of around $400. However, at this high price you need to carefully evaluate the features on offer to see if it’s a good deal.

The adaptive noise cancelation is a great option when trying to enjoy audio in a noisy environment such as an airport or train station. You can play around with the settings to set the amount of noise cancelation you need. Alternatively, the feature varies the level of noise cancelation based on your surroundings. This ensures the battery life is utilized optimally, which is handy when on long journeys.

The battery life lasts for an impressive 22 hours per charge and an amazing 6 months in standby mode. Therefore, you can leave them unused for months and come back to them without the need to charge. Bluetooth 4.1 with aptX HD is implemented that helps deliver a reliable audio signal.

The acoustics were developed with 50 years of experience, which means you can expect the audio to sound amazing. Crystal clear beats are delivered via the wireless connection that will impress even the audiophiles among you.

The PX App can be downloaded to give you access to various functions such as customizing the audio and updating the firmware. Additionally, a soft pouch is added for storage that protects the headphones while traveling.

Take a few moments to consider some potential disadvantages before going ahead with the purchase. The overall fit could be improved because it’s a little rigid compared to other headphones. Additionally, the ANC feature could perform better when the ambient noise gets very loud.

To conclude, the Bowers & Wilkins PX is a great option for Apple product owners that are looking for a great wireless headphone. The combination of adaptive noise cancelation, amazing audio, long battery life, and a useful app means you’re getting plenty for the asking price.

Tech Specs

Weight: 12.6 ounces

Connectivity: Wireless

Battery Life: 22 hours

Active noise cancelation: Yes

The Pros

22 hour battery life

Amazing acoustics

Practical app

Adaptive noise cancelation

The Cons

Fit could be less stiff

10. Nuraphone

The Nuraphone headphones are compatible with all Apple products via a Bluetooth connection and you can buy a Lightning cable for wired connectivity with the latest iPhones. There is a lot of value to the Nuraphone headphones, but at around $400 you need to take a close look at the features to figure out if it’s a good deal.

The Nuraphone has an innovative over-ear and in-ear design that drastically increase the audio clarity. You won’t find earcups with the same type of design, which means they bring something truly unique to the marketplace.

TestlaFlow active cooling is implemented that draws in cool air and warm air is drawn from the bottom. This level of ventilation ensures you can wear these headphones for hours without getting hot and agitated. The mixture of innovation here allowed them to win the “CES 2018 Best of Innovation” award.

You can create your unique hearing profile using the Nura App. It creates a visual representation of your hearing profile that’s cool to look at on-screen. Play around with the app to get the audio presets that best match your preferences.

Before putting the Nuraphone headphones in the virtual shopping basket consider a few disadvantages. The headphones have limited on-ear controls and the form factor might be restricting for some users. Additionally, the advantages of the sound personalization may be too subtle for most to appreciate.

To conclude, the Nuraphone headphones offer a great fit, excellent audio, sound personalization, and boosted earcup ventilation. The combination of these features offers a lot, but you need to decide if it’s worth the asking price.

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